ALPS 1

Introduction to Backcountry Ski Touring
Foundational Training for Human-Powered Winter Travel

Course Overview
This nationally recognized Introduction to Backcountry Ski Touring course provides the fundamental skills, knowledge, and decision-making frameworks required for safe and efficient travel in non-glaciated alpine terrain. It is designed for individuals seeking to develop independent touring skills or as a prerequisite for further technical and avalanche training.
This course combines theory-based instruction with practical field application to support the development of foundational competencies across five key domains: equipment, movement, navigation, hazard awareness, and backcountry travel systems.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate effective use of ski touring or splitboarding equipment, including climbing skins, touring bindings, boots, poles, and avalanche safety tools.
• Perform basic uphill and downhill travel techniques in varied snow conditions and terrain.
• Apply simple route selection strategies using terrain reading, maps, and digital navigation tools.
• Identify and mitigate common environmental hazards including avalanches, weather, terrain traps, and human factors.
• Conduct standard group communication protocols and demonstrate safe travel practices, including spacing, transitions, and terrain management.

Core Topics Covered

1. Equipment Use & Systems Management

• Ski/splitboard touring equipment: setup, adjustment, and field maintenance
• Clothing systems for thermal regulation
• Skinning technique, kick turns, and transition efficiency
• Avalanche safety equipment: beacon, probe, shovel—function and field practice

2. Movement & Terrain Skills

• Uphill track setting (basic angles, terrain recognition)
• Downhill travel strategies in variable snow
• Footwork, edging, balance, and descent control
• Movement in confined, open, and treed terrain

3. Navigation & Route Planning

• Map interpretation (topographic maps, slope angle shading)
• Digital tools: GPS apps and digital mapping platforms
• Terrain identification and simple route planning
• Turnaround times, group pacing, and contingency planning

4. Avalanche Awareness & Risk Management

• Introduction to avalanche terrain classification
• Recognizing avalanche path features and terrain traps
• Introduction to the avalanche forecast and danger scale
• Companion rescue fundamentals and simple hazard mitigation

5. Group Travel & Decision-Making

• Basic group management in the field
• Communication protocols, spacing, and roles
• Pre-tour planning and field communication tools
• Introduction to the “human factors” in backcountry decision-making

Target Participants
This course is intended for:

• Intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders with strong off-piste skills
• Individuals new to backcountry travel seeking structured, certified instruction
• Professionals pursuing mountain, ski patrol, or guiding pathways
• Outdoor educators, avalanche professionals, and SAR trainees beginning their touring skillset

Pre-requisites:

• Proficient downhill skiing/snowboarding skills in ungroomed terrain
• Physical fitness suitable for uphill travel in snow-covered environments (2–4 hours/day)

Course Delivery

• Duration: 1 day (minimum 6 hours)
• Format: In-person; combination of theory and field application
• Location: Controlled backcountry terrain within managed avalanche forecast zones
• Instructor-to-Participant Ratio: 1:7 maximum 

Certification & Progression
Participants will receive a Statement of Completion and may use this course as a prerequisite for:

• AVI 1 / AST1 or national equivalent
• Advanced Backcountry Touring / Glacier Travel Courses
• Entry-level guiding or instructor training programs
• Ski patrol induction and field training

Learning Outcomes Assessment
Competency will be assessed through:

• Observation of field-based technical skills
• Group participation and communication
• Completion of a practical scenario involving route planning, equipment management, and hazard identification